Description Of Technologies Of Rapid Prototyping.
Technology Stereo Lithography (SLA). It is based on curing a photosensitive liquid polymer under the effect of exposure of ultraviolet radiation (UV). It lets get prototypes and samples with different physical and mechanical properties. It is primarily used for prototyping to verify design and collection, as well as master models for further replication in silicone forms. It is developed supplies which allow us to obtain functional prototypes with different physical and mechanical properties, heat resistance, transparency, etc.
Technology overview: The model is built on a platform that moves in the direction of the construction of models (Z) and inside the tub with liquid polymer. Ultraviolet radiation is produced by helium-cadmium, or fixed transmitter (laser gun) and is positioned on the polymer surface with a movable mirror. Absorption and dispersion of the light beam occurs only directly in the vicinity of the surface, resulting in the formation of three-dimensional pixels (volume elements). After polymerization of the current cross-section details the model is immersed in a bath on the value of the thickness of the next hardened layer. The thickness of the layer and the surface is calibrated by special scraper – Raquel. The range of settings allows you to receive details with dimensions 500х500х500 mm. Accuracy of laser positioning is + / – 0,25 mm.
Technology Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The technology is based on sintering of finely dispersed particles of consumables under the influence of CO2 laser. Consumable (powder) is preheated to a temperature close to the melting temperature of the material (or glue). In the market there are equipment of the two companies – world leaders “DTM” and “EOS”, differing in the flexibility of supplies. As supplies it is used a variety of special plastics (including glass fiber), sand and metal powders. As a result of the use of technology you can get functional prototypes of plastic parts, sand molds and cores for the steel industry, the models for investment casting and metal parts or pieces forming elements molds. This technology is used primarily for single functional prototypes or as an alternative to replication in silicone forms for getting the party of details in a few dozen copies.
Technology overview: The current cross-section of the detail is sintered by laser on the value of the layer consumables (about 0, 15 mm.). After that, the platform is lowered by the amount of the next layer; the next portion of consumables is released from the cartridge, applied and calibrated by rolling roller. Device DTM Sinterstation 2500 plus allows you to receive details with dimensions up to 300х330х430 mm.
Technology MCP / HEK. It is an effective method of getting small parties by casting in a vacuum in the flexible silicone molds without making major equipment. As expendable material for obtaining copies it is used two-component polyurethane. The technology allows receiving copies of a 100% similarity in geometry and texture of the surface (including pad printing, label marker on a glossy surface). It is possible receiving of non-transparent parts and transparent, colorless and colored (lighting elements). It is also possible to obtain the elastic elements (seals, damping elements, shoe soles, etc.) The silicone form made by master model allows you to make an average of 10 – 25 copies, and then you must repeat the process.
Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are invited to go to a rapid prototyping methodology site.
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